Tag: Gov. Walz

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 15, 2020

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May 15, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:15 PM on 5/15/2020.

The Governor and Lt. Governor continue to work to protect Minnesotans’ health, safety, and well-being during this unprecedented time.

Today, the Governor announced the appointment of Judge Gordon Moore to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Judge Moore currently serves the Fifth District Court in Nobles County. Prior to that, he served as the Nobles County Attorney, an assistant city attorney for Worthington, and a special assistant and assistant attorney general under Attorney General Hubert “Skip” Humphrey III. Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 15, 2020”

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 14, 2020

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May 14, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 8:15 PM on 5/14/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Tim Walz signed an Executive Order directing the Commissioner of Education to provide a safe and effective summer learning environment for Minnesota’s students. Minnesota’s public school districts and charter schools will have the option to offer summer learning through a hybrid model of distance learning and in-school learning, or to continue distance learning.

“The safety and well-being of all Minnesotans is always our top priority,” said Governor Walz. “By slowly turning the dial for school settings this summer, we can better serve Minnesota’s students and families, and provide more opportunities for the in-person learning and social interactions that are critical for learning.”

This Order will offer schools the flexibility for some in-person instruction if they are in compliance with Department of Health (MDH) guidelines on masking, social distancing, personal hygiene, screening, and cleaning, and adhere to MDH’s guidance for summer programs. The public health guidance will help schools keep their students, their families, and school staff safe and healthy while offering meaningful learning opportunities. This model will give schools an opportunity to better support the students who have been struggling with distance learning, especially historically underserved students. These public health guidelines will also apply to summer programing outside of a school setting. Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 14, 2020”

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 13, 2020

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May 13, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 6:30 PM on 5/13/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Tim Walz announced the next phase of the COVID-19 response in Minnesota. Citing progress made to prepare for peak of infection, the Governor announced a measured, cautious turning of the dial toward a new normal.

With the Stay Home Executive Order set to expire on May 18, the Governor will replace it with an order continuing to encourage Minnesotans to stay close to home but allowing for gatherings of friends and family of 10 people or less. The Governor will also open retail stores and other main street businesses if they have a social distancing plan and operate at 50 percent occupancy. Additional guidance, including a template plan and checklist for businesses, is available on DEED’s website at mn.gov/deed/safework. Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 13, 2020”

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 12, 2020

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May 12, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 8:15 PM on 5/12/2020.

Updates from the Governor

After receiving bipartisan support as it passed through the state legislature, Governor Walz today signed into law an extension of the Minnesota fund dedicated to our COVID-19 response, which was set to expire on May 11. The COVID-19 fund has saved lives by increasing testing capacity, ensuring we have an adequate number of hospital beds for Minnesotans who need care, and purchasing much-needed personal protective equipment.

“The COVID-19 fund has saved lives,” said Governor Walz. “Its extension will allow Minnesota to continue providing resources Minnesotans need to weather this pandemic.”

The Governor also signed into law The Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, which requires drug makers to provide a detailed rationale to the state for any large price increases on drugs; a law to improve voting accessibility, modernize election security, and secure the health and safety of election officials and voters; and a ban on harmful child marriages. Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 12, 2020”

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 11, 2020

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May 11, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 8:45 PM on 5/11/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Department of Health officials today highlighted the importance of Minnesotans’ participation in case investigations to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Contact tracing is the process of slowing the spread of a disease by interviewing people who have tested positive to understand who they may have been in contact with while they were ill—particularly vulnerable populations. It’s a core element of a public health response to the outbreak of an infectious disease. Public health officials used contact tracing to effectively slow and stop the large measles outbreak in 2017, as well as several other outbreaks in recent years.

Additionally, the Department discussed the state’s first shipment of Remdesivir, which officials allocated to health care facilities for treatment of people hospitalized with severe COVID-19 cases. The drug has shown to help reduce the time it takes for patients to recover from COVID-19, and it can help us as a bridge to additional treatments we know will be coming in the months ahead. We’re hoping to get an additional shipment later this week.

Also today, Governor Walz signed an Executive Order allowing students in critical care sectors to attend classes for needed in-person training or testing in order to graduate. The Executive Order will fill workforce shortages by accelerating entry into critical sectors for up to 1,000 students that will serve Minnesota’s most vulnerable populations. Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 11, 2020”

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 10, 2020

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May 10, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 8:00 PM on 5/10/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Minnesota is facing an unprecedented challenge in COVID-19. There are resources available to help Minnesotans get through this difficult time.

Safety at Home: Stay At Home should never mean you stay somewhere unsafe. There are places of sanctuary open for anyone facing abuse or violence. Please call Minnesota’s statewide crisis hotline – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at 1.866.223.1111 or text 612.399.9995.

Unemployment Support: Minnesota is one of the first states in the nation to implement both the $600 per week additional compensation and the 13 week extension of benefits available under the CARES Act. Find these and answers to other unemployment questions here. Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 10, 2020”

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 9, 2020

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May 9, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:00 PM on 5/9/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Week in Review

On Monday, May 4 Governor Walz signed an order that will exempt federal, tribal, state, and local COVID-19 relief funds from being automatically intercepted by creditors and debt collectors. The Governor also discussed how his administration is engaging with Minnesotans across industries, organizations, and communities to safely get Minnesotans back to work. To learn more about our strategy, and the work we’re doing together, explore our engagement page on the COVID-19 website.

On Tuesday, May 5 Governor Walz signed an Executive Order that provided a roadmap for safely restarting elective veterinary, medical, and dental procedures. Also, the Governor and the State of Minnesota’s Chief Financial Officer Myron Frans announced a projected $2.4 billion deficit through 2021. Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 9, 2020”

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 8, 2020

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May 8, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 6:00 PM on 5/8/2020.

Updates from the Governor

As COVID-19 has exacerbated racial, economic, and educational inequities, the Walz-Flanagan Administration has prioritized the safety of our most vulnerable workers, families, and communities. During today’s daily COVID-19 response media briefing, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan highlighted the work of the Administration’s Community Resiliency and Recovery Work Group, which studies and takes action to protect the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities in Minnesota.

Also today, Governor Walz called on the Legislature to extend and replenish a Minnesota fund used to keep Minnesotans safe amid COVID-19. The Governor signed the fund into law on March 19, and without an extension by the legislature, it’s set to expire on May 11.

“The COVID-19 fund is saving lives by increasing our testing capacity, ensuring we have enough hospital beds for every Minnesotan who needs care, and purchasing much-needed personal protective equipment,” said Governor Walz. “I look forward to working with the Legislature to extend the fund until June 30, 2021 and replenish the fund so Minnesotans can continue to get the resources they need to weather this pandemic.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 8, 2020”

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 7, 2020

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May 7, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 8:00 PM on 5/7/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz unveiled a five-point plan to provide support to our state’s long-term care facilities and protect Minnesota seniors and their caregivers. The Governor and Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm worked closely together to develop the plan, which aims to bolster the significant work that is taking place already within facilities and our public health sector. The comprehensive approach includes:

  • Expanded testing for residents and workers
  • Creating strike teams to provide testing support
  • Providing additional personal protective equipment to facilities
  • Ensuring adequate staffing levels at all facilities
  • Partnering with local public health to coordinate support

More information on the state’s five point response and support for Minnesota’s care facilities is available here. Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 7, 2020”

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 6, 2020

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May 6, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 5:30 PM on 5/6/2020.

Updates from the Governor

During today’s daily briefing hosted by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Commissioner Alice Roberts-Davis discussed her work to secure critical medical supplies for Minnesota. The state’s procurement of essential COVID-19 supplies is updated regularly on our website. MDH provided updated COVID-19 case counts, and explained how the recent increase in cases is tied to the state’s ramping up of testing. The briefing is available on MPR’s website.

Commissioner Jan Malcolm thanked nurses on the front lines during this pandemic, and highlighted the work nurses are doing to keep Minnesotans healthy through this pandemic. Governor Walz also recognized National Nurses Day by thanking nurses and health care workers, and the Minnesota National Guard conducted statewide flyovers today in recognition of those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 6, 2020”